For the last couple of months, I have been making use of "Planet Ark:Aware Sensitive" laundry detergent. Basically, this stuff is a clear-rinsing, very low suds (or easily rinsed suds), No enzyme, No bleach, No OBA, No Phosphate detergent. The formula is based upon Plant-Oil Surfactants, Sodium Citrate (Water Softening), Disilicate Mineral ("More effective" than Phosphorus it says), Cellulose Colloids (Soil suspending, effective rinsing) and Washing Soda (Salt/Limestone. Dirt/Grease).
I've been mostly satisfied with the results - especially on items without staining, since it means a load of towels can actually get a nice, full detergent dosage, without the Miele scalding me for "Too Much Detergent."
However, I've had some issues with Tomatoe-Based stains on shirts/pants as well as the general grime one accumulates on their socks. Even when washing between 122-140º (50-60ºC), I have found these stains just aren't lifted from said items.
So today, on a load of Socks and Undergarments, I decided to try one of my favourite detergents: Kao's "Bio-Zet Attack."
This detergent hails from the land of Cold-Water washing Japan, and as such is absolutely loaded with Enzymes. I like it for its mostly easy rinsing, very free-flowing nature, neutral odour and tendency to leave clothes soft.
Whilst the load was fairly typical in nature, consisting of a mix of both garments being washed, I altered the programming significantly from what I used when washing with the Planet-Ark detergent. Instead of washing at 140ºF (60ºC), I cut right back 104ºF (40ºC). I know this is hypocritical, considering what I have said in the past, but I wanted to test this detergent to some extent. This would give a washing time of about 36 minutes, as opposed to the 56 minutes (Approximation). you get washing at 140º.
Being that I used Delicates, this meant 36 minutes of high-water level washing in the Miele. Great turnover during this washing stage!
I used about 1/2 scoop of the detergent, and this produced plenty of sudsy action in the wash. After the first rinse, I cancelled (as usual) and manually selected a spin cycle of 1000rpm, then setup for a double-rinse at high water level. I do this to ensure less detergent is left over, as this reduces the need for fabric softener (As "Sensitively-oriented" as it may be).
Following the completion of my "Franken-Cycle," I was amazed at the results as I hung out the items to dry (in the shade). The socks, which previously would've been somewhat stained still from the grime accumulated from floors (including those at work - where I sometimes remove my shoes as my feet become intolerably achey) I have stood on had returned to the full White and Coloured-Bottom beauty. The colours were not slightly blackened as before, nor was the white print on the bottom of the socks. Absolutely amazing, especially considering the fairly short washing period, very gentle washing action and low temperature.
I suppose now we discuss... Anyone care to share their thoughts on the switch between Enzyme/Non-Enzyme detergents?
I've been mostly satisfied with the results - especially on items without staining, since it means a load of towels can actually get a nice, full detergent dosage, without the Miele scalding me for "Too Much Detergent."
However, I've had some issues with Tomatoe-Based stains on shirts/pants as well as the general grime one accumulates on their socks. Even when washing between 122-140º (50-60ºC), I have found these stains just aren't lifted from said items.
So today, on a load of Socks and Undergarments, I decided to try one of my favourite detergents: Kao's "Bio-Zet Attack."
This detergent hails from the land of Cold-Water washing Japan, and as such is absolutely loaded with Enzymes. I like it for its mostly easy rinsing, very free-flowing nature, neutral odour and tendency to leave clothes soft.
Whilst the load was fairly typical in nature, consisting of a mix of both garments being washed, I altered the programming significantly from what I used when washing with the Planet-Ark detergent. Instead of washing at 140ºF (60ºC), I cut right back 104ºF (40ºC). I know this is hypocritical, considering what I have said in the past, but I wanted to test this detergent to some extent. This would give a washing time of about 36 minutes, as opposed to the 56 minutes (Approximation). you get washing at 140º.
Being that I used Delicates, this meant 36 minutes of high-water level washing in the Miele. Great turnover during this washing stage!
I used about 1/2 scoop of the detergent, and this produced plenty of sudsy action in the wash. After the first rinse, I cancelled (as usual) and manually selected a spin cycle of 1000rpm, then setup for a double-rinse at high water level. I do this to ensure less detergent is left over, as this reduces the need for fabric softener (As "Sensitively-oriented" as it may be).
Following the completion of my "Franken-Cycle," I was amazed at the results as I hung out the items to dry (in the shade). The socks, which previously would've been somewhat stained still from the grime accumulated from floors (including those at work - where I sometimes remove my shoes as my feet become intolerably achey) I have stood on had returned to the full White and Coloured-Bottom beauty. The colours were not slightly blackened as before, nor was the white print on the bottom of the socks. Absolutely amazing, especially considering the fairly short washing period, very gentle washing action and low temperature.
I suppose now we discuss... Anyone care to share their thoughts on the switch between Enzyme/Non-Enzyme detergents?
